Energy strategies for New Zealand

The government’s energy strategies set the policy direction and priorities for the New Zealand energy sector and are focused on achieving a productive, low emissions economy.

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New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021

The Government’s goal is for New Zealand to make the most of its abundant energy potential, through the environmentally responsible development and efficient use of the country’s diverse energy resources.

The New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021 sets the strategic direction for the energy sector and the role energy will play in the New Zealand economy.

Note: The New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021 includes the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NZEECS) 2011-2016. However, the NZEECS 2011-2016 has now been replaced by the NZEECS 2017-2022 - see below.

Priority areas

The New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021 sets out 4 priority areas:

Diverse resource development.

Environmental responsibility.

Efficient use of energy.

Secure and affordable energy.

Relevant links

A draft New Zealand Energy Strategy was released for public consultation in July 2011. For a summary of submissions and officials’ recommendations on those submissions, see: Summary and Analysis of Submissions.

New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 2017-2022

The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 2017-2022 (NZEECS) is a companion to the New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021. The goal of the NZEECS is for New Zealand to have an energy-productive and low-emissions economy.

outlines government policies, objectives and targets, and will be in force for 5 years

guides the work programme of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) over the next 5 years

encourages businesses, individuals, households, community institutions and public sector agencies to take actions to help unlock our renewable energy and energy efficiency potential, to the benefit of all New Zealanders.

Priority areas

The NZEECS focuses on 3 priority areas, where the biggest cost-effective opportunities lie: